How to pronounce sadly
Say it like SAD-lee. Sadly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAD).
- SAD
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sadly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SADSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of sadly
American and British speakers say sadly in essentially the same way: /ˈsædli/ in the US and /ˈsædli/ in the UK.
British respelling: SAD-lee.
What does sadly mean?
- In a sad manner; sorrowfully.““Only when we climb up can we see it,” he said sadly.”
- Unfortunately, sad to say.“If you think you’re getting out of this place alive, you are sadly mistaken, my friend.”
- In a manner to cause sadness; badly; terribly.
Where does sadly come from?
From Middle English sadly; equivalent to sad + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with sadly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sadly.
Questions about saying sadly
How do you pronounce sadly?
Say SAD-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsædli/. In British English it is /ˈsædli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sadly?
Sadly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAD). Broken into parts: SAD · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say sadly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsædli/ and the British form is /ˈsædli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.